A couple weeks ago, we brought you a few shots of the next Audi RS4 Avant. But our spy photographer recently snapped some photos of that car’s lesser—but still potent—stablemate, the 2012 Audi S4 Avant. These shots, taken around the S4’s natural habitat, Germany’s Nürburgring, show a facelifted front end, with the new S4 sporting the updated grille soon to be seen on most Audi models. Also apparent is a revised front valence, which has wider and deeper inlets surrounding the fog lamps.

This S4 prototype’s rear end looks equally good, although not much different from the current S4 Avant. However, it’s expected that the taillights will be updated to look more like the A7’s. Otherwise, we can assume this is pretty close to what the production version will look like. There’s still no word on any significant upgrades to the S4’s drivetrain, but minor changes to the car’s engine and interior could be in store. For more details, we’ll have to wait for the S4’s official debut, which is expected to happen at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

I remember there was a big auto exec that said when it comes to Americans, if you make them think its an SUV they'll buy it and that is why this CUV craze took off. I can guarantee that if car makers stopped calling them wagons or avants and called them cross overs or CUVs sales would instantly jump. If still goes with the pathetic notion that SUVs and CUVs are safer than regular cars which if you look at crash tests results you can see the real answer behind that. And America still carries the notion of the wagon as being dorky and ugly thanks to those ugly American made wagons of the late 80's early 90's.

I do not know why are you american buying the stupid small suvs while you could buy such this small beautiful sporty wagon because:
1- it is much more beautiful and a way better looking than the suvs.
2- it more fuel economical than the suvs( not the S4 avant of course but the regular A4 or any other sport wagon.
3- it is as much practical as any other small suvs.
4- it is more sporty than the heigh suvs
5- and i think it cheaper too.
SO WHY